Science has shown that sleep plays a critical role in bone health. However, from my patients’ experiences — as well as a few nights spent tossing and turning myself — I’ve also learned that getting a good night’s sleep may be easier said than done for many of us.

When we’ve been having trouble sleeping night after night, it becomes a habit to crawl into bed every night already stressed that we won’t be able to fall asleep. Unfortunately, while this worry is understandable, it may be the very stress that is keeping us awake. That’s because sustained stress increases cortisol levels, which in turn tell our bodies to stay alert — and awake.

One of the first ideas I introduce to my patients who have trouble sleeping is the idea of developing a focused, positive intention to sleep soundly through the night. Here are some ways to do so:

• Visualize sleeping through the night and waking up refreshed in the morning.

• As you lie down, become aware of the relaxing sensation of your bed, sheets, and pillows — notice how good they feel and take a deep stretch. On cold winter nights I love getting into a warm bed, so I heat it up with an electric blanket (unplugging before I get in). I take time to appreciate the warmth and I bask in a feeling of wellbeing.

• Take calming breaths deep into the belly and intentionally let go of any thoughts or worries. Imagine them floating off into space and know they’ll be fine for the night to be picked up tomorrow — if you choose.

• Uncover hidden stimulants. Most women with sleep issues are already avoiding coffee and chocolate because of the caffeine content. These women would also do well to pay close attention to reducing intake of decaffeinated coffee and tea, mate, coffee-flavored ice cream and yogurt, and some sodas — all of which may contain enough caffeine to disturb sleep.

• Remember that watching TV or reading horror or high-intensity novels right before bed can also be agitating and interfere with sleep.

Positive intentions for sleep can begin well before bedtime. I have recently begun studying with a Qi gong master to learn how practicing mindfulness can help normalize our body rhythms, as well as clear and calm the mind throughout the day.

I also set aside the half hour before climbing into bed for relaxing activities. Some of us need as little as 15 minutes to wind down, while others benefit from up to an hour of rest/relaxation time, for activities such as a hot bath or meditation. And what is considered relaxing can be different for each one of us — so take some time to find what works best for you.

You can try Dr. Brown’s comprehensive supplements in her at-home bone health program, developed with Women's Health Network. Get her exclusive formulations along with her detailed lifestyle and diet guidance, plus telephone support whenever you need it. Learn more about the Better Bones Health Package.

We created the Better Bones blog as our forum to express opinions and educate the public about natural means of supporting and improving bone health and overall wellness. As part of this forum, we sometimes discuss medical issues and medications, and their effects on bone health in general. However, we cannot advise readers about specific medical issues in this forum. If you wish to obtain advice from Susan E. Brown, PhD, about your specific bone health and nutritional concerns, please visit our Consultations page. Other specific medical questions should be referred to your healthcare provider.

We created the Better Bones blog as our forum to express opinions and educate the public about natural means of supporting and improving bone health and overall wellness. As part of this forum, we sometimes discuss medical issues and medications, and their effects on bone health in general. However, we cannot advise readers about specific medical issues in this forum. If you wish to obtain advice from Susan E. Brown, PhD, about your specific bone health and nutritional concerns, please visit our Consultations page. Other specific medical questions should be referred to your healthcare provider.

Comments

March 5. 2012 18:17

Good suggestions I will try. Although I don't usually have trouble falling asleep. It's staying asleep that's my problem. The visualization seems like it will be worth a try.

Betsy

March 26. 2012 14:47

I too do not have trouble falling asleep. However I tend to wake after about 3 hrs.sound slep and often cannot fall asleep again. My doctor recommended taking Gravol. I keep 1/2 tab. ( of a 50 mg. pill) by my bedside and if I cannot fall asleep again within 1/2 hr. or so, then I take it, whereupon I sleptill morning.H

Lillian Lee

March 29. 2012 00:55

I try all that it helps, but since a few week as soon as I could sleep, my restless legs don't let me sleep, what can I do for that?

Vreni T.

April 1. 2012 00:47

Try Magnesium oil by "Ancient Minerals".

Nelly V

April 3. 2012 16:37

I too have restless leg syndrome. Ugh! I already take sleep medication, but still wake up frequently. Of course my restless legs means it takes a while to get to sleep. I always feel tired in the morning. Any suggestions?